I was never the Mom who could hardly wait for her kids to go back to school.  I have always loved having my entire family around me at home as much as possible, creating strong family ties and making memories. 
      I know that some families have had school start already, others are starting this week, some not until much later in the month.  But, the time flies when it comes to family time together and some children really stress out about starting school.  Giving them that feeling of family togetherness, love and support can help them cope with life at school as the new school year begins.  Even though I hated sending my children back to school on the inside, on the outside I tried to be excited and encouraging and let them know that our family was there to help them be successful. 

      We were blessed over the last couple of weeks to have some of our grandchildren with us during these last days before school.  We had so much fun together going to the waterpark, swimming and crafting.  We played old school Wii and had bowling tournaments and fun on the Wii Fit.  We watched our watermelon grow in the garden (no ripe ones yet, darn it!).  We also did 1/2 hour of reading every morning  AND, we did a bunch of little activities that cost very little, but were super fun!  Having cousins together was also a highlight of our time together.

       My message to you in this post is to find little ways to help your kids squeeze every minute of fun and enjoyment out of their summer.  Even if they have already started school, many of these activities could easily be done in the evening or on a weekend and would be a respite from the homework grind! 

    The adults also joined into this competition! 

     Do you have any end of summer traditions that you do with your kids that squeezes in one more fun activity that starts them out in school with happy memories?  Please share them with us in the comments! 

This post contains affiliate links. We will be compensated for purchases you make at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
​​

     If you are like I am and really enjoy doing at least some of your gifts and decorating by making handmade items, then you know that now is the time to begin to get ready before the holiday rush starts!  If you aren't sure what heirloom or just fun pieces  you would like to create this year, there are many places to look online for ideas, patterns and kits! 

      Amazon is most people's go to for just about anything.  Here are some great kits to get you started! 

• If you have Stockings to make, Bucilla kits are always adorable.   I love this one of the Little Drummer Boy, but there are plenty to choose from! 

• I'm always on the lookout for cute Nativity Scenes.  This is a felted kit, a process that I haven't tried yet, but have always wanted to try.  

• Embroidery has taken off in popularity again.  A Christmas Table Runner would be a great use of that skill!  These would be great to keep or give away. 

• Also embroidered, a kit containing 6 pieces would be 6 gifts for one inexpensive price, lovingly completed by you! 

​

​     Etsy is a great place to get kits, patterns or finished items.  There are endless choices

• I've seen similar scroll saw nativities before, but this one is really beautiful! 

• If crocheting is what you love to do,  thisbeautiful blanket is perfect to begin now! 

       Well, oops, that was 6 things.  Plus, while I was looking around, I found something that you don't need to make, but is so beautiful on Etsy that I just had to share it!  
​

     I think I might get this and leave it up all year long!  Wouldn't it be perfect in a cabin?  People's artistry always amazes me. 
​

     If you didn't already have ideas of what to make this year for Christmas, I hope you got some here.  What projects are you going to be working on this year?  I'd love to hear all about them. 

Projects from the Blog:

• Plaid Christmas Trees
• Button Ornaments
• Dollar Tree Ornaments

This post contains affiliate links. We will be compensated for purchases you make at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
​

     Back in 2018 when we did our original live Christmas in July, we shared some really yummy treats to serve at your own Christmas in July party.  We had festive Watermelon Stars and Strawberry Santa Hats.  We served a veggie tray shaped like a Christmas Tree. And of course, sugar cookies to decorate. 

      Recently I've found some recipes that look perfect for a summery Christmas party! 

• Peppermint Delight from Taste of Home looks like the perfect way to cool off and celebrate a Christmas theme at the same time. 
• The Original Jello Strawberry Poke Cake would be great topped with strawberries.
• Since I'm all about not baking in the summer,  these No Bake Christmas Wreath Cookies are perfect!

     Since our blog is the home of the Original Hot Cocoa Bomb, I had to find a way to incorporate Hot Cocoa into our Christmas in July Celebration!  Frozen Hot Cocoa seemed to be the perfect solution!  To serve a crowd and to cut back on the sugar and sweets, I made my grandchildren Peppermint Hot Cocoa Shots, in cute smaller juice glasses, topped with Cool Whip or whipped cream and sprinkles, of course!  They pronounced them good! 
​

    Even if you aren't celebrating Christmas in July, these are a refreshing summer way to enjoy Hot Cocoa! 

This post contains affiliate links. We will be compensated for purchases you make at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

     Tomorrow is the beginning of Amazon Prime Day!  It couldn't hit at a better time because when I think of Christmas in July, I think of ways to get ready for Christmas in December that will A) Help me be prepared and less rushed in December, and B) Help me save money on gifts, decor and other essentials.  
      So, while the Prime Day Deals haven't begun yet, I've started a watch list, plus found some deals that are already pretty terrific!  Let me share a few!